POLICE in West Devon have warned that despite heeding advice about leaving valuables in cars, residents in the borough can do even more to protect their property.

A police spokesman said the reduction in stolen property from cars in recent months was ?considerable? ? but incidents of theft are still occurring.

The spokesman said: ?We now find that even if there is nothing on view, some vehicles are still being broken into.

?This could be one of two things ? vehicles with smashed windows are sometimes mindless vandalism and this is more difficult to protect against ? or they are breaking into the closed glove compartments.?

The officer said bearing this in mind, it could be beneficial to leave compartments in the car open, so criminals can see there is nothing inside.

West Devon police have thanked the public for the efforts they have made to deter car thefts in the borough.